1-in-10 competition for specialized math class at high school for gifted students, university of science

The competition ratio for the specialized math class at the High School for Gifted Students, University of Science, reached nearly 1-in-10, double last year's figure, reclaiming the top spot after being surpassed by the specialized informatics class a year prior.

The High School for Gifted Students (affiliated with the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) announced on the morning of 7/5 that it received nearly 4,000 applications for this year's 10th-grade entrance exam, an increase of nearly 1,000 compared to last year.

Among these, the specialized math class attracted the most applicants with nearly 1,060 candidates. This was followed by specialized chemistry (over 800), physics and informatics with over 700 students each, and biology (over 570).

Each class has an enrollment quota of 109 students, so the competition ratios reflect the application numbers. Specialized math leads with a competition ratio of nearly 1-in-10, almost double last year's 1-in-5,7. The competition ratios for the 10th-grade specialized classes are: chemistry at 1-in-7,3, physics at 1-in-7,2, informatics at 1-in-6,9, and biology at 1-in-5,2.

Most competition ratios increased, with only the specialized informatics class seeing a decrease compared to last year (1-in-8,1).

Candidates applying for the 10th-grade entrance exam at the High School for Gifted Students must take four subjects over two days, 23-24/5. These include: mathematics (round one), literature, English, and a specialized subject, with English being a new addition. The mathematics (round one) and literature exams are 120 minutes each, English is 60 minutes, and the specialized subject is 150 minutes.

To be considered for admission, students must achieve a score of 4/10 or higher in each subject. The admission score is the total of the mathematics (round one) score and the specialized subject score multiplied by two. Literature and English are only qualifying conditions.

This year's 10th-grade entrance exam results for the High School for Gifted Students will be announced before 16/6. Successful candidates are expected to enroll in early July.

Last year, the cutoff scores for the specialized math and informatics classes were the highest, both at 19,5, while the three specialized classes for physics, chemistry, and biology all had a cutoff of 17.